Padel is a game that thrives on social interaction, teamwork, and fun. It’s fast-paced, thrilling, and offers plenty of room for skill-building and camaraderie. But despite the sport’s light-hearted nature, nothing can turn a good day on the court into an agonizing experience like being stuck with a bad padel partner.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a weekend warrior, we’ve all been there—facing a partner who seems more interested in sabotaging your game than working together to win. The horror stories are real, and they happen more often than we’d like to admit.
In this article, we’ve compiled some of the most cringe-worthy, rage-inducing, and downright bizarre tales from players like you. From the overconfident novice to the invisible ghost, prepare to cringe, laugh, and perhaps find solace in knowing you’re not alone in the struggle for the perfect padel partnership.
You Know the Type…
Hook: The Joy (and Agony) of Finding the Right Partner
When you step onto the padel court, there’s an undeniable excitement in finding a great partner. You share the thrill of the game, the banter between points, and the satisfaction of each victory. A good padel partner complements your playstyle, supports your weaknesses, and encourages your strengths. In short, they make the game enjoyable and rewarding.
But what happens when you end up with the opposite—someone who’s more of a liability than a teammate? Suddenly, your game becomes a test of patience and endurance. And more often than not, these situations leave you with a story—or rather, a horror story—to share with friends afterward.
Set the Scene: Real Stories, Real Players
These are not just fictional tales but actual experiences submitted by real players. The court is where you learn who your true friends are, and sometimes, who your worst enemies are. Through the following sections, we bring you stories of the worst of the worst. From players who act like they’re pros but haven’t picked up the sport for long, to those who seem to have a personal vendetta against teamwork—these are your anonymous confessions.
Thesis: Your Partner Can Be Your Biggest Opponent
Padel, while deeply social, is often about finding the right partner. And when that partner isn’t the right fit, it can turn your sporting experience into something more akin to a horror show. In the following stories, you’ll wince, laugh, and perhaps feel a little more grounded in the reality of padel partnerships. But rest assured, you’re not alone.
The Cast of Characters: A Field Guide to Problematic Partners
To better understand the kinds of partners who make your padel experience a nightmare, we’ve categorized the horror stories. From the overconfident novice to the social saboteur, here’s a breakdown of the most common types of problematic partners you might encounter.
The “I’m Basically a Pro” (The Overconfident Novice)
You know the type—the one who’s watched a few YouTube videos, picked up a racquet, and now considers themselves an expert. They take unnecessary risks and play with a level of confidence that far outweighs their actual skill. Worse yet, when their shots inevitably miss the mark, they blame everything but their own abilities.
Story 1: The Wind Blame Game
One player had a partner who insisted on trying to make impossible winners from the back glass. Each time they failed, they’d blame the wind, the sun, or even the positioning of their teammate. Never once did they acknowledge that their shot choice was the real issue. “You weren’t standing in the right spot!” they’d claim, while you shook your head in disbelief.
Story 2: The Unsolicited Coach
Then there’s the partner who feels compelled to give unsolicited—and often wildly inaccurate—advice throughout the match. “You need to cover the back more,” they’ll tell you, even though they’re the ones hanging out at the net, refusing to move. It’s not coaching; it’s just irritating. And it’s never backed up by any real understanding of the game.
The Ghost (The Invisible Player)
These are the partners who seem to be physically present but mentally checked out. They might as well be playing with their eyes closed, and their lack of involvement makes the game feel like a one-person show.
Story 3: The “T” Stand-Off
Ever played with someone who stands perfectly still in the “T” position, offering nothing more than a thumbs-up when the ball comes their way? One player recalls a match where their partner barely moved, letting them cover the entire court. All while their partner was giving out “good job” signals with a giant smile. The true horror? They’d rarely even make a decent shot.
Story 4: Ducking Under Pressure
Perhaps one of the most frustrating experiences is playing with a partner who physically ducks when the ball approaches them at the net. Not only does this make you do all the work, but it also feels like you’re being sabotaged. If it’s a reflex, it’s a poor one. If it’s intentional, it’s downright infuriating.
The Tantrum Titan (The Angry Rager)
When a match doesn’t go perfectly, these partners are the ones who erupt in a fit of rage. Whether it’s smashing their racket or lashing out at you for a minor mistake, they bring a toxic energy to the game that can sour the experience for everyone involved.
Story 5: The Racket Smasher
We’ve all seen it—after a single lost point, a partner who, instead of shrugging it off, smashes their racket into the court in an embarrassing show of frustration. It’s a childlike tantrum, and it sets a bad tone for the entire match. What’s worse? They expect you to just “get over it” while you try not to break into an eye-roll.
Story 6: The Blamer
No matter what happens, it’s always someone else’s fault. They lose the point, and suddenly, it’s your mistake. They hit the ball out, and it’s your positioning. Playing with someone like this makes you feel like you’re walking on eggshells, afraid to make any mistakes that might set them off.
The Unprepared & Unhinged
A good partner is someone who comes to the court ready to play—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. These are the partners who throw all preparation out the window, leaving you scrambling to pick up the pieces.
Story 7: The Latecomer
One player recalls a partner who showed up 20 minutes late, wearing jeans, no water bottle, and proceeded to borrow their racket. The match was a comedy of errors, with the partner constantly complaining about being unprepared while offering little support during play.
Story 8: The Hygiene Nightmare
Sometimes the problems are more physical than mental. A partner with poor hygiene can ruin a game—not just for you, but for everyone around you. One player was forced to endure an entire match with a partner who hadn’t bothered to shower, turning the court into a smelly nightmare. It was a test of endurance, and not the good kind.
The Social Saboteur
Some players just can’t focus. Instead of playing the game, they’re more interested in chatting, making jokes, or engaging in random conversations with players on the next court.
Story 9: The Court-Time Chatty Cathy
Imagine being in the middle of a rally when your partner suddenly stops to chat with the people on the next court. “Can you believe the weather today?” they ask, as you’re left scrambling to cover their slack. It’s not only rude; it disrupts the flow of the game.
Story 10: The Signal Creator
Then there’s the partner who decides to invent a whole new set of hand signals right before the match starts. “When I raise my left hand like this, you move to the net,” they say, despite the fact that you’ve never practiced this system before. It’s an unneeded complication that leads to confusion and frustration.
The Aftermath: How to Recover From a Partner Nightmare
So, what do you do when you’re stuck with a nightmare padel partner? It’s tempting to throw in the towel, but don’t worry, there’s hope. Here are some survival strategies for making it through a bad match and tips for preventing future disasters.
In the Moment: Survival Strategies
In the heat of the moment, the best thing to do is keep your cool. Focus on your own game, even if it means doing a majority of the work. Use polite, non-confrontational language to steer the game in a better direction, such as “Maybe we should try more lobs?” or “I’ll cover the middle!”
Remaining calm will help you avoid escalating the situation, and you might just salvage the match.
The Long-Term Solution: The “Soft Block”
If you find yourself repeatedly paired with someone who isn’t up to par, it’s time to put the “soft block” into action. Politely distance yourself from future matches with them without causing any drama. You can claim you’re busy, play at different times, or find a new group to play with.
A Moment of Self-Reflection: Are You the Horror Story?
Now, it’s time for a little self-reflection. While we’ve all been victims of terrible partners, it’s important to consider whether we’ve ever been the problem ourselves. Ask yourself:
- Do you consistently show up late?
- Do you get visibly frustrated with your partner?
- Do you attempt shots you haven’t fully mastered in a competitive match?
If you’re guilty of any of these, don’t worry. Everyone has room for improvement. Being aware of how your actions affect others is the first step toward becoming a better partner.
Conclusion: The Silver Lining
While bad partners are an unfortunate part of the game, these experiences help you appreciate the true value of a good, reliable partner. The right partner makes all the difference between a fun match and a nightmare. So, go forth, find your perfect padel match, and may your glasses be clean, and your partners sane.
The court is waiting for you—just make sure your partner is, too.
FAQs
What should I do if my padel partner is unprepared?
If your partner shows up late, without the proper gear, or seems unprepared for the game, try to keep your focus on your own performance. Politely suggest adjustments, like “Let’s take a quick break to grab water” or “Maybe we can work on positioning next time.” If it’s a recurring issue, consider distancing yourself from future games with them.
How do I handle an overconfident partner who keeps blaming external factors for their mistakes?
Dealing with an overconfident novice can be tricky. Stay calm and avoid confrontation. You can kindly redirect the focus to your shared goal, saying something like, “Let’s work together to cover all areas of the court” or “Maybe let’s try to slow down and focus on placement instead of power.”
What can I do if my partner keeps interrupting the game to chat with others?
If your partner constantly stops to chat with players on another court, remind them of the match’s importance. Politely say, “Let’s focus on the game for now,” or, if necessary, suggest playing with a partner who’s more focused.
How do I handle a partner who gets angry and throws tantrums during the game?
If your partner has frequent tantrums, stay calm and avoid escalating the situation. Try to focus on your own game and gently suggest a more relaxed approach, such as, “Let’s just take it one point at a time” or “It’s all part of the game; let’s stay positive.”
How can I become a better padel partner?
To be a better padel partner, arrive on time, stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and be ready to adapt your playing style to complement your partner’s strengths. Self-reflection and consideration for your partner’s needs are key to becoming a supportive teammate.
